Shaanxi Province

Shaanxi province is located in the hinterland of China and is one of the world’s most important cradles of Chinese civilisation and culture. It’s home to some of the most impressive relics of the country’s past, with many more still buried beneath its soil. The province is a complete showcase of ancient temples, cities and palaces, as well as tombs and buildings, including the spectacular Emperor Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum, the Qianling Tomb, and the tomb of Wu Zetian – the first empress to rule China.

Shaanxi’s museums and tombs are packed with vestiges of the country’s glorious history, such as bronze vessels from the Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC), a copper carriage from the Qin dynasty (221–207 BC), stone sculptures hailing from the Han dynasty (206 BC – AD 220), gold and silver vessels dating back to the Tang dynasty (AD 618–907), China wares from the Song dynasty (AD 960–1279) and sculptures spanning thousands of years of Imperial China.

Emperor Qinshihuang’s Terracotta Army MuseumLocated to the east of Xi’an in the Lintong district, Emperor Qinshihuang’s Terracotta Army Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built on the original location of the terracotta army pits, the museum is currently the world’s largest archaeological display of ancient military might. It attracts millions of people every year and is often referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world.’ Visitors are in for a spectacular sight, with countless sculptures of soldiers, each one unique, arranged in battle formations to protect the emperor’s tomb.

Huashan MountainHuashan Mountain is one of China’s five sacred Taoist mountains. Located in Huayin, Weinan with Weihe Plain to the north, it’s a granite mountain that lives on the north side of the dividing ridge on the branch range of the Qinling Mountains. Its highest peak reaches 2,154.9 metres and, in China, it’s known as ‘the most precipitous mountain under heaven.’

Qianling Mausoleum and MuseumQianling Mausoleum is located in Qianxian county, Xianyang city, and is the joint tomb of China’s only female monarch, Wu Zetian, and her husband, Emperor Gaozong of the Tang dynasty (618–907). It’s believed to be the only one of 18 imperial mausoleums of that empire to not have been disturbed. Seventeen satellite tombs surround it. Qianling Museum is built in the compound of the tomb of Princess Yongtai, and the tri-colour glazed pottery, mural paintings and linear carvings on the outer coffin are superb ancient relics.